Pipkens breaks the ice

Chad Pipkens has finally broken the ice that has seized his morning. It comes across at 1 pound, 8 ounces.

Pipkens said after that catch “You know what’s amazing – I got chills (catching) a pounder and a half.”

That fish, as small as it is, could actually be one of the more important fish of this derby.

One, it gets the monkey off his back.

Two, and more importantly, it could actually turn into the fish that keeps him in the top 10. That would be huge if it works out that way and the timing of his honey hole actually works in his favor on the final day.

While much of the talk has centered on the giant bass of Lake Fork, it would be something if one of the key fish of this event is actually a 1 pound, 8 ounce squeaker.